WELCOME TO THE

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

APRIL 24-27, 2025

About

The Best Weekend All Year

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing. Held the last weekend in April in Lexington, Kentucky, this internationally renowned event draws the best horse and rider combinations worldwide. The weekend attracts people from around the globe to witness leading riders compete in addition to shopping, attractions, and sponsor experiences you can only find here. The Cosequin® Lexington CCI4* and The Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are hosted over the same weekend for even more opportunities to see exceptional equestrian competitions.

2025 Event Dates are April 24 - 27, 2025.

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The Latest

News & Updates

Behind the Barn 2025: Lucienne Bellissimo

April 16, 2025
Who’s behind Horse Scout Eventing and one of the best and most selective horse-sourcing teams in the USA? In Episode 7 of Behind the Barn, learn more about the ultra-talented Lucienne Bellissimo. Having grown up in the UK and with a passion for matching riders with top mounts in addition to producing horses in her program, Lucienne has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.

Behind the Barn 2025: Boyd Martin

April 15, 2025
What you see is what you get with Boyd Martin and our hosts Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Lynn Symansky got it all! In Episode 6 of Behind the Barn, we learn more about the man himself from his guilty pleasures to how he juggles it all managing family and horses while competing at such a high level (spoiler alert: he just hit 65 career FEI wins!). It takes a special athlete to keep McDonalds in business during the off season and Boyd contributes to the cause. Be sure to check it out! This episode is brought to you by Jump 4 Joy USA .

Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk Tops Impressive Field of Show Jumping Athletes Set to Compete in Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

April 15, 2025
20 Olympians Highlight Show Jumping Entries at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

new for 2025

Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Located in the K3DE Sponsor Village the Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be available for viewing to all ticket purchasers and will feature vehicles used by the Royal Family either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. Five historic models will be on display at the event, including two of the earliest Royal vehicles.

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The Disciplines

An Equestrian Triathlon

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. It combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, and the winner of the three-day event is the pair with the lowest combined score.

A woman is riding a brown horse on a dirt track.
A person is riding a horse through a puddle in front of a sign that says defender
A man is riding a horse over a jump in front of a crowd.

The Competition is Heating Up

See the Current Standings & Latest Results

Results of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, and The Kentucky International CSI5* will be posted as soon as possible concluding each event.

A couple of phones sitting next to each other on a white background.

download the cross-country app

Explore the Cross-Country Courses

If Cross-Country day is your favorite, you need the Cross Country App! From the app you can explore the 2024 Cross-Country course with photos and video guides. Plus, spectators can find their location on the interactive course and turn on the Venue Guide to see food, arenas, big screens, restrooms and more.

Download the App View the Courses

Premium Experiences

Clubs & Hospitality

Reserve your spot in one of our four private clubs with spectacular views, food and beverage service, and other benefits that can make your experience more relaxed, comfortable, and memorable. 

Explore Hospitality

Stay Connected

Stay connected to what’s happening at the Kentucky Three-Day Event by following us on social media. If you would like more information or to be added to our email list, click here.